New to dressmaking or want to improve the finish of your garment? This is the workshop for you.

The tips and techniques shown in this Masterclass cover the basic essentials of dressmaking and will give you the confidence to achieve a beautiful finish, giving your garment a professional look.

You will learn :-

about your pattern- Grain lines, markings ect
Importance of notches and tailors tacks,
hints when cutting out, - Nap, Seam Allowance
what is stay stitching?
Darts - sew smoothly
Seam finishing (overcasting/locking on a sewing machine)
Facings,- Understitching and Topstitching

Each technique will be taught step by step, worked in sample form following the notes provided

Your tutor for this Masterclass will be Jenny

Workshop Covers

Darts

Seam Neatening

Facings

Understitching and Topstitching

Basic Calico Fabric (included)

Workshop Notes - covering the workshop, with space for your own notes of settings

or adjustments.

N.B see terms and conditions in the Additional info section to the right of this page.

Dressmaking Essentials - Workshop-Thursday 19th March 2026

Name: Dressmaking Essentials - Workshop-Thursday 19th March 2026
SKU: masterclass7

SKU: masterclass7

£45.00

VAT Included

Quantity

Only 6 left in stock

Date: Thursday 19th March 2026

Duration: 3 hours - 10 am - 1pm

No of Places: 6 places
What You Need to Bring

Sewing Machine - in operational working order. (This means the machine must be able to form stitches) – if machine hasn't been used, it is recommended that it is serviced prior to attending.

Foot control pedal

Power lead

Manual

All feet that came with the machine.

Thread

Spare bobbins

Spare machine needles

Scissors

Tape measure

Unpicker

Pins

You will create samples in this workshop, enabling you to refer back to them over again, and attach them to the notes.
Our tutors - have experience across all sewing genres including dressmaking, patchwork, quilting, costumes, soft furnishings, pattern drafting, embroidering to name a few.

As professionals in their own right, they understand and know how to use all aspects of machines and feet.

Your Tutor - Jenny Herbert
From an early age, Jenny started sewing, which continued into school and onto college, studying a BTEC in Fashion, Design and Technology.

Over 30 years of sewing experience, 10 years of which for Janome as a demonstrator and now for all machine brands. Overlocking is a specialism and Jenny's understanding your overlocker workshop is not to be missed.

Jenny likes all aspects of dressmaking, especially finishing and embellishing using the embroidery machine, just ask her about the dragon prom dress, as well as using all her machines in combinations with other crafts.

One to One Tuition - If you would prefer one to one lesson, just you and the tutor - click for - more info (Pre-booking required, subject to availability)

Group Bookings - Are you a small group of 2 - 4 friends, or work colleagues and would like to arrange this workshop as a group session together? - please ring 0117 977 8216 or email us through the contact page. (Pre-booking required)
Workshops / Masterclasses Terms and Conditions

Bookings

Bookings can be made online, over the phone or in our showroom.

Payment

Payment is required at time of booking to secure your place.

Cancellation

Attendee cancels:-

1. Over 10 clear days before workshop / masterclass. A full refund will be issued or rebook onto another date.

2. Under 10 clear days before workshop / masterclass. No refund.

Direct Sewing Machine Ltd cancels:- A full refund will be issued, or moved to an alternative date. Please note – We are not responsible for any consequential costs.

Using own Equipment

We require you to bring your own machine. However the following must apply:-

1. Must be in operational working order. (This means the machine must be able to form stitches) – if purchased second hand or given a non new machine, it is recommended that it is serviced prior to attending.

2. Make sure to bring foot control pedal / power lead / manual and accessories for the machine.

3. You will need to bring a basic sewing kit, scissors etc. Any specific equipment will be described for the individual workshop / masterclass.

PLEASE NOTE – Refunds will not given if the attendee is unable to continue with the workshop / masterclass due to non – operational machines.

Attendance / Timings

All workshop / masterclasses will start on time and finish on time. We are unable to overrun sessions to accommodate late arrivals.

Please be kind and respectful to both out tutors and fellow attendees.

Completion of projects

We endeavour to build into the workshop / masterclasses time for the attendee to complete the project or samples. The amount of work completed during a workshop / masterclass may depend on the amount of experience and pace of work.

Lost or Damaged Property

Direct Sewing Machines Ltd are not responsible for attendee’s lost of damaged property.

Photography

We may during a workshop / masterclass take photos or videos of the session and / or attendees work. These images / videos may be used online and in other places for marketing purposes.

Please let the tutor know if you don’t want your image shown.